Love better than I have done, since she touch'd it, Made such a battery in the choicest castle That straight it shook and sunk. WIT WIT WITHOUT MONEY. A COMEDY. BY JOHN FLETCHER. The humour of a Gallant who will not be persuaded to keep his Lands, but chuses to live by his Wits rather. VALENTINE'S Uncle. Merchant, who has his Mortgage. Mer. When saw you Valentine ? Unc. Not since the horse race. He's taken up with those that woo the widow. Mer. How can he live by snatches from such people? He bore a worthy mind. Unc. Alas, he's sunk, His means are gone, he wants; and, which is worse, Mer. That's strange, Unc. Runs lunatic if you but talk of states; He can't be brought (now he has spent his own) But all a common riches; all men bound To be his bailiffs. Mer. This is something dangerous. Unc. No gentleman, that has estate, to use it Grounding their fat faiths upon old country proverbs, "God bless the founders:" these he would have ventur'd Into Into more manly uses, wit and carriage ; And never thinks of state or means, the ground-works: Holding it monstrous, men should feed their bodies, And starve their understandings. Valentine joins them. Val. Now to your business, uncle. Unc. To your state then. Val. 'Tis gone, and I am glad on't, name't no more, "Tis that I pray against, and heaven has heard me ; I tell you, sir, I am more fearful of it, (I mean, of thinking of more lands or livings) To be a wilful beggar. Val. I am mad then, And so I mean to be; will that content you? How bravely now I live! how jocund! How near the first inheritance! without fears! How free from title troubles! Unc. And from means too! Val. Means Why, all good men's my means; my wit's my plough; The town's my stock, tavern's my standing-house, (And all the world know, there's no want:) all gentlemen That love society, love me; all purses That wit and pleasure opens, are my tenants; To be more eminent, and take the air, A piece is levied, and a coach prepar'd, And I go I care not whither: what need state here? Unc. But say these means were honest, will they last, sir? Val. Far longer than your jerkin, and wear fairer. Your Your mind's enclos'd, nothing lies open nobly; Val. What's my knowledge, uncle? Is't not worth money? what's my understanding? How much or what's done for them; it is wicked. For all your beans in Rumnillo: now you know me.for 10 The wit of Fletcher is excellent like his serious scenes: but there is something strained and far fetched in both. He is too mistrustful A TRAGEDY. BY THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN. JOHN FLETCHER.102 Three Queens, whose Lords were slain and their bodies denied burial by Creon the cruel King of Thebes, seek redress from Theseus, Duke of Athens, on the day of his marriage with Hippolita, Queen of the Amazons. The first Queen falls down at the feet of Theseus; the second at the feet of· Hippolita, his bride; and the third implores the mediation of Emilia, his Sister. 1st. Qu. to Thes. For pity's sake, and true gentility, Hear and respect me. 2d. 2u. to Hip. For your mother's sake, And as you wish your womb may thrive with fair ones, 3d. Qu. to Emil. Now for the love of him whom Jove hath mark'd The honour of your bed, and for the sake Of clear virginity, be advocate For us and our distresses: this good deed Shall raze you out of the book of trespasses Thes. Sad lady, rise. Hip. Stand up. Emil. No knees to me. What trustful of Nature; he always goes a little on one side of her. Shakspeare chose her without a reserve: and had riches, power, understanding, and long life, with her, for a dowry. 102 Fletcher is said to have been assisted in this Play by Shakspeare. |